FremantleMedia North America Hires Two for Scripted

BURBANK: Craig Cegielski has joined FremantleMedia North America in the newly created position of executive VP of scripted programming and development, while Stefanie Berk has been hired in the senior VP post within the same group.

Cegielski comes to FremantleMedia North America, where his appointment is effective immediately, from Open Circle Entertainment, which he co-founded. Previously, he was the president of GK-tv and was executive VP of programming and sales for Lionsgate International Television. Cegielski will be reporting to Thom Beers, the CEO of FremantleMedia North America.

Berk will be reporting to Cegielski. She joins the company on June 10 from Playtone, where she has been the head of development since 2011. During her time with Playtone, Berk developed and managed all TV and film projects for company partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman.

Beers commented, “We’re thrilled to have these two wonderfully talented individuals join our team. Scripted programming is a huge priority for us and both Craig and Stefanie bring passion, great relationships and years of experience with them to FremantleMedia.”
 
Cegielski said, “It’s incredibly exciting to be joining FremantleMedia as it takes a step forward in scripted entertainment. As the leading global independent studio, the company is perfectly positioned to maximize its resources as an international content company.” He added, “The addition of Stefanie Berk reinforces our commitment to talent relationships and support of creative visionaries as she’s demonstrated during her tenure with Playtone.”
 
“After many great years at Playtone, I’m thrilled to be joining FremantleMedia and couldn’t be more excited to be working with Thom and Craig,” said Berk. “As we seek to expand upon FremantleMedia’s scripted series, I’m looking forward to working with amazing talent in a time when the television landscape couldn’t be more inspiring.”